Holiday spirit

12/12/2014, 6 a.m.

A colorfully decorated fruitcake balloon, sponsored by the Science Museum of Virginia, has a commanding presence along the parade route.
Photo by James Haskins

Richmond’s holiday season kicked off last weekend with two long-running traditions — the Grand Illumination and the Christmas Parade.

The city’s skyline came alive in lights during the Grand Illumination. Along with blocks of office buildings, reindeer, snowflakes and a large Christmas tree in front of the James Center on East Cary Street also were lit up during the 30th annual event, which drew thousands of revelers to Downtown.

Several local performers put on a show and Stop Child Abuse Now collected toys for 200 area children. Unwrapped gifts are being accepted in the James Center lobby through Friday, Dec. 12.

Cartoon character balloons, marching bands and floats were among the highlights of the 31st annual Dominion Christmas Parade on Saturday morning, Dec. 6.

Thousands of spectators braved the damp and chilly weather to line Broad Street for the parade, which featured television actor and Richmonder Chad L. Coleman as grand marshal. The parade, with 88 floats and other groups and vehicles, departed from the Science Museum of Virginia and moved east along Broad Street to North 7th Street.